Paw Prints
By Steffen Klenk
It may seem like an unlikely combination, but it is not uncommon for cats and rabbits to bond with one another. According to Petfinder, feral felines are considered predators, but with the proper training and pairing, a well-trained house pet can get along with hares quite well. Herman is no exception.
Nearly five years ago, this pet rabbit was dropped off under the doors of Ocean City’s Humane Society. From that very moment he was discovered, the staff was hard at work caring for Herman, to ensure his basic needs and find him a new home. Like most rabbits, Herman loves spending his time outdoors, but most importantly, he also likes cats.
South Jersey resident David Coombs was drawn to Herman instantly. “He was my boy in two minutes.” Coombs is a long-time supporter of the Humane Society of Ocean City, and an active member of the community. He serves as a board member for the Academy of Culinary Arts, which educates and paves the way for future chefs. He also sits on the board of the Ocean City Pops.
After his adoption four years ago, Herman began bonding with an orange tabby named Jack, who was also adopted from the Humane Society. The two paired together well and played with each other every day. After Jack’s death earlier this year, Coombs reached out to HSOC in search of a new cat that would get along with Herman.
Coombs was quickly introduced to a black cat, initially named Shy, who quickly reached out with its paws. From that moment, it was an instant connection. “He whacked me with his paw, and I was like “What do you want?” As I was walking out of the room, he hit me again. “Something tells me this is the cat.”
Upon arriving at the Humane Society over two months ago, Shy was not used to its new environment, “He was very shy and recluse. For about a week, he hid under his blanket” says Jen Garraty, resident staff member at HSOC. It was shortly after bonding with the pet rabbit Herman where Shy would find a new identity. Today, he is known as Panther. It was an instant match.
Less than one week after Panther’s adoption, we have been told that Herman and his new feline friend are doing well in their new environment. “Panther is going to be a spoiled brat,” says Coombs. While Panther’s presence will no longer be felt at HSOC, shelter staff says that he is going to a really good home. “We love having our animals here, but we love seeing them at home more,” Jen Garraty says.
For long-time supporters of the Humane Society, like David Coombs, it is an opportunity for shelter pets such as Panther to have a new lease on life, according to HSOC’s Executive Director Bill Hollingsworth. “It’s nice to see somebody like Dave adopt from us. That makes us feel good.”
The Humane Society of Ocean City has been serving the community since 1964 offering resources and companionship for rescue animals. For every dollar donated, .93 directly benefits shelter pets. To learn more, you can visit hsocnj.org. The Humane Society of Ocean City is located at 1 Shelter Rd. off of Tennessee Ave. Their number is 609-398-9500.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
